| Visit Our Catalog at SteelGuitarShopper.com |

Post new topic increasing lever travel on Excel uni
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  increasing lever travel on Excel uni
Niklas Widen

 

From:
Uppsala, Sweden
Post  Posted 27 Jan 2023 10:59 am    
Reply with quote

I'm moving some things around on my 2018 Excel U-12.

I'm having trouble getting the 1st string F#-G# raise and it seems the problem is the throw of the particular knee lever, rather than what changer/bell crank holes I use. The lever I'm moving the change to is my LKR, which is non-reversing with the bell cranks mounted underneath the cross rod, (facing the guitar top deck).

The length of the knee lever's travel seems to be determined by the stop screw hitting the edges of the perforations in the aluminum frame. How would you go about adjusting the throw? Swap the stop screw for one with a smaller diameter head?



I thought I'd check in here if anyone has any suggestions before I contact Mitsuo.

/Nicke
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Mike Vallandigham

 

From:
Martinez, CA
Post  Posted 27 Jan 2023 12:19 pm    
Reply with quote

I have the same stop set-up in my 2018 Excel.

I think the long travel required for that pull, combined with the short bell crank (since it's the upside-down one) is creating a situation where you can't get enough pull.

I think that a smaller head on the screw would give you more travel, obviously, or elongating or drilling out the hole would do the same.

BUT, I'd wait for Mitsuo to get back to you - his STRONG mind will have probably thought this out already and have a solution.

A smaller head on the screw would be an easier modification, and not require you to grind on your nice guitar. Fully reversible.

I'd be hesitant to grind on mine.

Another thought is to have the pull start with the screw head hard against the far side of the hole, so that it has maximum travel before it hits the other side.

Mike
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Greg Cutshaw


From:
Corry, PA, USA
Post  Posted 27 Jan 2023 12:27 pm    
Reply with quote

On one of my knee levers I just installed a separate stop. It was a lot of work. I guess it depends on how much more travel you need.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Yahoo Messenger
Mike Vallandigham

 

From:
Martinez, CA
Post  Posted 27 Jan 2023 12:31 pm    
Reply with quote

Greg, did you flip or trim the screw? So it doesn't stick out into the stop-hole?

Mike
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Greg Cutshaw


From:
Corry, PA, USA
Post  Posted 27 Jan 2023 1:47 pm    
Reply with quote

Trimmed it. There are a few limitations like this with Excel design especially with the E9/C6 changeover knees.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Yahoo Messenger
Jim Palenscar

 

From:
Oceanside, Calif, USA
Post  Posted 28 Jan 2023 10:16 pm    
Reply with quote

Make sure you've exhausted all pull rod ratio combinations for the maximum pull first. Then you might consider using a set screw instead of a socket head cap screw of the same thread pitch with some thread locking compound to get more travel.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
mtulbert


From:
Plano, Texas 75023
Post  Posted 29 Jan 2023 6:33 am    
Reply with quote

I am curious why you are having this issue. On my S-10 which I ordered with that change it gets there with no problem at all. It is on the lever which raises 2 and dropping 6 down to F#. The bell cranks as you have indicated are the ones that are mounted on the lower side of the cross shaft and that shaft moves counter clockwise when you engage it.

My pull rod is in the very top hole closest to the body of the guitar. YMMV depending on the what design changer and tuning system is on your guitar.

As per Jim's advice changing the pull rod combination is difficult to say the least. But if you can get to it that would be first suggestion.
_________________
Mark T


Infinity D-10 Justice SD-10 Judge Revelation Octal Preamp, Fractal AXE III, Fender FRFR 12
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Mike Vallandigham

 

From:
Martinez, CA
Post  Posted 29 Jan 2023 1:19 pm    
Reply with quote

I make little hooks out of stiff wire to help guide the pull rod into the holes I want - since it's impossible to get your fingers down there. You can insert the rod from the changer end and use a little hooked wire to lift and guide the rod into the right hole on the bell crank.

Definitely use the changer finger hole that's closest to the body, that will have the most finger travel wit the shortest rod pull.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Niklas Widen

 

From:
Uppsala, Sweden
Post  Posted 29 Jan 2023 2:41 pm    
Reply with quote

Thanks!

I’ll try some things tomorrow. For those of you that have Excels with the same set-up: what bell crank hole is used on you (upside-down) cranks?
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
mtulbert


From:
Plano, Texas 75023
Post  Posted 30 Jan 2023 5:06 am    
Reply with quote

Nik

The bellcrank hole is the one that is closest to the body of the guitar. The pull rod is set to the hole in the top row of holes raises closest to the changer.
_________________
Mark T


Infinity D-10 Justice SD-10 Judge Revelation Octal Preamp, Fractal AXE III, Fender FRFR 12
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  
Please review our Forum Rules and Policies
Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction, and steel guitar accessories
www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

The Steel Guitar Forum
148 S. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Click Here to Send a Donation

Email SteelGuitarForum@gmail.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for Band-in-a-Box
by Jim Baron